Newsweek Offers List of 'Best Countries in the World'; Ranks U.S. 11th

Meredith Jessup

8/18/2010 8:44:10 AM - Meredith Jessup

So what put the northern nation at the top of the list for Newsweek editors?

Finland's schoolkids enjoy a laid-back and inclusive learning environment where shoes are optional, all teachers have master's degrees, and extra help is the norm: every year about one in three students gets individual time with a tutor.

The U.S., a country that largely requires shirt and shoes for service, didn't even make Newsweek's top 10. Besting America were Finland, Switzerland, Sweden, Australia, Luxembourg, Norway, Canada, Netherlands, Japan and Denmark.